He may be 32 by the time his current deal is set to expire, but for Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater, the QLD and Australian representative has said that he is keen to extend his contract beyond that time.
For Slater, he says that in his current physical and mental state, as well as the advances in sport science and technology, he can see himself playing on until the end of 2016.
I’m very happy at this club, but I don’t want it to end too soon,” he said.
“I want to give myself the opportunity to play as much football as I can.
“That’s the reason you play the game. I have a great passion for playing the game so hopefully that (retirement) is still quite a few years away.
“The decision could be made for me one day, but I will know when my time is up.
“I’m my own worst critic and that is a good thing. It means I’m looking to improve my game whether it’s training or on the field and that won’t change until the day I retire.”
George Mimis, Slater’s agent, said that at one stage, Slater had offers from French rugby union, but the man regarded as the game’s best fullback, is eager to sign one more deal, in order to stay a one-club man.
“As long as his body is healthy, there is life after 2015 on the field for Billy,” Mimis said.
“Billy is one player who really dots the i’s and crosses the t’s with his preparation and the way the game is with sports science, I don’t see why he couldn’t play on.
“Apart from Melbourne, the only thing that has ever really been of any significance has been some approaches from European rugby.
“It was at a time when Aussie players were flavour of the month, Mark Gasnier, Craig Gower and Sonny Bill (Williams) were playing in France. Billy was on their radar, but never seriously looked at it.
“I certainly hope he finishes at the Storm. He still has plenty of petrol in the tank and in his words is still improving.
“One of the goals of players in the game is to finish their career with one club and aiding that with Billy is the fact he has Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk down there.”